The world-renowned SMM 2026 opened its doors at the Hamburg Messe on Tuesday. Centered on three core themes—shipping decarbonization, digital &smart vessels and maritime security, the fair has brought together over 2,100 global exhibitors and drawn more than 50,000 industry professionals. Chinese exhibitors made a strong comeback, forming one of the most prominent overseas exhibitor contingents at the event. Mr. Zhao Yan, President of China Classification Society (CCS), led a delegation to engage with global maritime stakeholders to chart the future of the sector.

[Photo/CCS]On the opening day, CCS, together with industry partners, launched a portfolio of new green and low-carbon ship designs powered by methanol and LNG, and equipped with smart capabilities.

MARIC 212K Bulk Carrier Granted AIP

Developed by the Marine Design & Research Institute of China (MARIC), this bulk carrier features large cargo-carrying capacity and broad operational adaptability for a wide range of bulk commodities. Optimized hull lines deliver superior energy efficiency. The vessel supports multi-fuel operation and is pre-configured with interfaces for wind-assisted propulsion and high-voltage shore power. It balances immediate operational economics with long-term decarbonization requirements.

[Photo/CCS] Mr. Hong Bo, General Manager of International Classification Service Development Department at CCS, awarded AIP certificate for the MARIC 212K bulk carrier to Mr. Zhang Chao, Director of MARIC.

MARIC 25K Multi-Purpose Vessel Granted AIP

Purpose-built for complex cargo scenarios, this multi-purpose vessel bears ample hold volume, and caters to a wide spectrum of cargo types, capable of stowing general and project cargoes. It enables tandem-lift operations to significantly enhance loading-and-unloading flexibility and efficiency.

[Photo/CCS] Mr. Hong Bo awarded AIP certificate for the MARIC 25K multi-purpose vessel to Mr. Zhang Chao.

SDARI 60,000 DWT Methanol Dual-Fuel Heavy-Lift Multi-Purpose Vessel Granted AIP

Designed by the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI), this vessel is fitted with a methanol dual-fuel propulsion system for seamless switch between methanol and conventional fuel oil, substantially cutting CO- emissions. Its large-opening box-type hold structure incorporates four oversized holds and multi-position adjustable tweendecks, meeting diversified shipping demands.

[Photo/CCS] Mr. Hong Bo awarded AIP certificate for the 60,000 DWT methanol dual-fuel heavy-lift multi-purpose vessel to Mr. Yang Bo, Director of SDARI.

SDARI 80,000 DWT Autonomous Navigation Multi-Purpose Vessel Granted AIP

This 80,000 DWT autonomous navigation multi-purpose vessel integrates systems for intelligent navigation, intelligent integration platform, intelligent machinery management and intelligent energyefficiency management. It establishes a comprehensive intelligent framework covering navigation, machinery, energy-efficiency control and vessel information management, supporting multi-system data integration, visualization and ship-shore information interaction.

[Photo/CCS] Mr. Hong Bo awarded AIP certificate for the 80,000 DWT autonomous navigation multi-purpose vessel to Mr. Yang Bo.

CSDC 8,600 m3 LNG Bunker/Transport Vessel Granted AIP

Developed by China Ship Design & Research Center Co., Ltd. (CSDC), the vessel adopts full-electric propulsion, with four LNG dual-fuel generators serving as main power sources to fulfil bunkering operations in complex coastal navigation conditions. In terms of its liquid-cargo system, the vessel features independent Type-B cargo tanks, boasting advantages including low cargo boil-off rate and convenient construction.

[Photo/CCS] Mr. Hong Bo awarded AIP certificate for the 8,600 m3 LNG bunker vessel to Mr. Zhang Jinliang, Director of CSDC.

319,000 DWT Ammonia-Ready VLCC Granted AIP

This VLCC is forward-engineered with pre-installed interfaces for two 6,000-m3 ammonia fuel tanks and associated piping. It requires a short retrofitting turnaround and can achieve full-lifecycle zero-carbon operation after modification, helping shipowners meet both decarbonization goals and commercial objectives.

[Photo/CCS] Mr. Hong Bo awarded AIP certificate for the 319,000 DWT ammonia-ready VLCC to Mr. Zhang Jinliang.

A series of high-level CCS engagements took place in the afternoon. Mrs. Liang Jing, Managing Director of CCS London Maritime Center, held discussions with TradeWinds, the leading global maritime media. She had thorough deliberations on topics covering CCS’s development philosophy, European network expansion, green shipping outlook, smart survey and marine product certification.

Mr. Li Shuxian, Business Manager of CCS Hamburg Branch, was invited to the Xinde Marine Forum. He conducted in-depth discussions with guests over how to mitigate uncertainties facing global shipping and advancing the industry’s green transition.

At SMM 2026, CCS leverages the fair as a window and exchanges as a bridge to deepen global maritime cooperation. It contributes to building a world’s first-class modernised Chinese classification society and assists shipping industry worldwide in moving toward a greener, smarter and more sustain